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His friend, Carolyn McEntire, 74, was in the truck at the time of the shooting but declined to comment on the incident.

After being pulled over Mr Canipe had got out of his truck and walked to the back to reach for what the deputy believed was a rifle.

Mr Faris described the incident as 'very unfortunate,' and added: 'It does
appear, at this time, that Deputy Knox's actions were an appropriate
response to what he reasonably believed to be an imminent threat to his
life.'

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Stopped: Bobby Canipe was pulled over in his pick up truck for having an expired license

Investigation: Deputy Terrence Knox is on paid leave while police investigate the shooting

The State Law Enforcement Division will investigate the shooting and turn its findings over to prosecutors, who will decide whether to press charges, Faris said.

Knox, who has been a deputy for three years, has been put on paid leave while an investigation is carried out.

The sheriff's department is not planning on releasing the dash cam video of the incident.